Media Management. Journalism. Development Cooperation.

Master's Program

International Media Studies (M.A.)

The Master's Program is a four-semester, full-time program. The bilingual curriculum combines the disciplines media and development, journalism, communications and media management. This is a joint project together with the University of Bonn, the Bonn Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences and Deutsche Welle, Germany's international broadcaster with headquarters in Bonn.

This unique Master's Program is conducted in German and English and is designed for young students from developing and transition countries who have previous media experience. The program offers an unparalleled mix of research, lectures and practical experience and prepares students for careers in the communications and media industries. As media become increasingly set in a global context it's important that media professionals understand the close connection between the media and development cooperation.

You can now apply for the fall semester 2015/2016. Application deadline is on March 31, 2015. Please note that we will only accept online-based applications using the link below.

Registrar's office

Class of 2013

Nube Alvarez, Mexico

I'm a news junkie, an avid traveler and am incredibly curious about the world around me. I fell in love with journalism because it gives me the opportunity to see, feel and experience other people's daily lives and what they are going through. I want to help society by working to improve the quality of journalism and strengthen the media's independence.

Class of 2013

Walid Osman, Egypt

After Egypt experienced one of the biggest revolutions in world history, I decided to apply to the IMS and specialize in what sparked this revolution - the media! I'm confident that this unique learning experience will help me play a role in transforming Egypt's media in a new era of democracy.

Class of 2013

Bruna Passos Amaral, Brazil

Be prepared to experience culture shock on a daily basis in the IMS! The group is so international, I continually discover new things about the world. It has been a dive into the media sectors, and cultures, of many countries. Others talk about inter-cultural understanding but we are really experiencing it. I am sure this will make me a better media professional and a better human being.

Class of 2013

Anna-Katharina Jung, Germany

A special feature of this course is that it combines research, practice and development work in an intelligent way. The possibility of developing projects together with inquiring minds from all over the world, hear their opinions and gain an understanding of their culture are the main reasons why I chose the IMS program.

Class of 2013

Ahmad Al Tayep, Syria

I've always dreamed of being a journalist and working for international agencies. My first journalism experience was as a feature writer for a newspaper and I fell in love with telling stories. Although I have developed my journalism skills since then, I applied to the IMS because I was thirsty for more knowledge. After graduating, I want to help professionalize the media sector in a "new" Syria.

Class of 2013

Julia Alekseeva, Russia

Who am I? That's what I asked myself before applying to the IMS. I was torn between my love of teaching, journalism and languages and wanted to find a program where I could combine all three. The IMS brings together people from all over the world - and where I can study media-related subjects in two languages! My dream is to take what I learn here and pass it on media workers in Russia.

Class of 2013

Karina Ziminaité, Lithuania

I'm from Lithuania - a beautiful, small country in the Baltics. I used to dream of becoming a pilot but decided that was a crazy idea and chose journalism instead because it's just as challenging. It's been the right choice - and it's no surprise that my curiosity and desire to experience new things have lured me beyond the borders of my tiny homeland.

Class of 2013

Nyoman Yatmi Pravita Dewi, Indonesia

As a government officer, I know the media is an important tool to enhance public diplomacy in Indonesia. With the IMS program, I'm learning about the ties between the media and other sectors - like business and politics, for example. The program also gives me a chance to learn about media landscapes in other countries and to learn new research and analytical techniques.

Class of 2013

Yara Dweik, Palestinian Territories

While I was abroad for the first time, someone asked me where I was from. "Palestine" I said. He said, "Oh, Pakistan." I was 15 at the time and it was only then I realized some people don't know my country exists. I decided I wanted to give Palestinians a voice. I believe IMS will give me a deep insight into international media systems and further my practical skills to bring change to my country.

Class of 2013

Tainã Mansani, Brazil

I watched my mother working from a young age. She's a journalist and without a doubt, that's what sparked my passion for the communications world. In Brazil, I worked for various media during my studies and then in Berlin, I worked as a correspondent, which was a fantastic experience. My aim now is to learn more about the communications industry, which is why I have enrolled in the IMS program.

Class of 2013

Alexandra Belopolsky, Israel

I was born in Ukraine but my my family immigrated to Israel when I was six. For the past ten years, I've worked as a freelance journalist in Israel and Europe. I believe good journalists need to have an understanding of multicultural and inter-faith issues - they are essential skills. My focus is on German-Israeli relations, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, human rights and women's issues.

Class of 2013

Natalia Hebel, Chile

I discovered my passion for TV after working for a cultural channel in Chile. There's no better feeling than receiving positive feedback from the audience - that motivates me to continue being a journalist. I decided to travel across the world to take part in this program to learn more about journalism and also more about Germany and its culture.

Class of 2013

Mohammed Abugeth, Palestinian Territories

Reports about Palestine are usually negative but I want to show another perspective and change the image of my country. Video is a powerful media and my camera lens has absorbed diverse aspects of life in Palestine, from high officials in Ramallah to young people on the street. I'm open minded, willing to take my camera almost anywhere and I don't give up easily.

Class of 2013

Carmen Victoria Méndez, Venezuela

I started studying journalism when I was 17 because I loved writing. Afterwards, I worked as an art critic but after eight years of writing about contemporary art, I decided it was time to go back to university. Since I love languages and had been learning German, I decided to apply for the IMS. What I like most about the master's program is the intercultural exchange that takes place.

Class of 2013

Helga Karsten, USA/Russia

I have lived in many places and had many jobs. Along the way, I have met many people and those who impressed me the most are those who try to do something for others. I believe my job as a journalist is to help people see beyond each other's differences to discover what we have in common: the wish to make the world a better place - if not for ourselves, then for our children.

Class of 2013

Rim Dawa, Syria

When I was four, I used to read the news and interview my parents' friends in front of my father's camera. My childhood dream was to be a TV host and this passion has never left me. After graduating in English Literature, I worked as an online journalist and in the media department of a development organization. IMS is a opportunity to fulfill my dreams and climb to the top of the media world.

Class of 2013

Shadi Romman, Jordan

Media has always fascinated me as a means of communication. Whether it's visual or written, and no matter where I am, I'm always drawn to outlets where I can be part of this revolutionary way of communicating. Being a student at DW Akademie offers me a great opportunity to learn more and acquire techniques that I've always been looking for.